ES2539607T3 - Fermented Infant Formula - Google Patents

Abstract

Non-therapeutic method to reduce digestive effort, b improve the efficiency of protein digestion, c reduce the loss of endogenous protein, d reduce endogenous secretion of proteases, and / or reduce the protein load entering the colon in comparison with a nutritional composition that does not comprise a composition fermented by lactic acid bacteria comprising protein, said method comprising the administration of a nutritional composition comprising from 5 to 20% by weight of protein based on the dry weight of the nutritional composition and comprising at least 10% by weight of a composition fermented by lactic acid bacteria comprising the protein, where lactic acid bacteria are inactivated after fermentation, based on the dry weight of the nutritional composition.

Description

DESCRIPTION

Fermented infant formula.

Field 5

[0001] The present invention relates to nutritional formulas for infants and young children and in particular is directed to protein digestion.

Background 10

[0002] The digestion of dietary proteins is achieved by the release of proteases from the stomach and pancreas. Protease release is normally strongly regulated, thus ensuring that neither too few nor too many proteolytic enzymes are secreted. This is important since a high protease release and high proteolytic activity have several disadvantages. A too high release of proteases will result in a loss of energy and a loss of essential amino acids due to the fact that the proteases themselves are highly resistant to proteolytic activity and will enter the colon mostly unchanged. Subsequently, after the entry of an increased amount of protein (in the form of proteases) into the colon the intestinal microbiota will ferment the proteins resulting in a higher unfavorable pH, a change in the composition of the intestinal microbiota and the formation of toxic metabolites. such as phenol, indole, and amines. This change in the physiology of the colon can also lead to increased intestinal infections. Finally, proteases such as trypsin are known to dissociate activated protease receptors (PARs), such as PAR-II, and thus affect the integrity of the intestinal barrier. This can lead to an increased perception of abdominal pain. Inflammatory diseases such as IBS-D and UC have been related to elevated levels of proteolytic activity within the intestinal lumen and the subsequent activation of PAR-II. In addition, increased fecal proteolytic activity is related to diaper dermatitis. In general, too high protease release will result in decreased gastrointestinal comfort, digestive functional disorders, gastrointestinal gas formation, and / or swelling.

[0003] A too low secretion of proteolytic activity, on the other hand, is disadvantageous since in this case 30 dietary proteins are not properly digested, also leading to the loss of essential amino acids and energy, and an increased protein load of the colon.

[0004] Especially in infants, strict regulation of protein digestion and the release of proteolytic activity is of utmost importance. First, for babies, a limited loss of protein is essential for good growth and development. The loss of essential amino acids and energy affects growth and development. Second, the function of the intestinal barrier in infants remains immature and the intestinal microbiota continues to develop and is therefore more susceptible to the disadvantages mentioned above.

[0005] Known ways to improve protein digestion, particularly in infants, involve partial predigestion of dietary proteins by proteases. In addition, Alm, 1982, J Dairy Sci j 65: 509-514 discloses that a low pH of dairy products, especially as a result of fermentation, has a positive influence on the in vitro digestibility of proteins. It is considered that in many digestive disorders the secretion of hydrochloric acid is impaired and therefore the suitability of such low pH dairy products is recommended for infants, children and adults. Vass et al, 1984, Hungarian Medical Act, 41, 15-161 reveals that fermented milks 45 have the highest protein utilization rate, defined as the increase in body mass in g per protein intake in g, in rats weaned, and this is attributed to better protein digestibility.

[0006] Gallia Lactofidus® is an acidified infant formula, resulting from fermentation by two specific strains of lactic acid bacteria. It is revealed that this formula facilitates protein digestibility and improves intestinal transit.

Summary of the Invention

[0007] The inventors have discovered that, using an animal model with piglets, after the consumption of a fermented formula the amount of endogenous proteolytic enzymes detected in the terminal ileum was significantly reduced compared to the amount detected after the consumption of A standard formula Surprisingly, the amount was also significantly reduced compared to the amount detected after the consumption of a formula with extensively hydrolyzed (i.e., predigested) proteins. In addition and unexpectedly too, although the daily protein intake was higher in piglets that consumed fermented formula 60 the digestibility of apparent and real protein was the maximum in this group as well. This is indicative of a reduced digestive effort. Digestive effort is defined as the amount of protease activity secreted per gram of protein ingested. Digestive efficacy is defined as the reciprocal value of digestive effort. This means that with a high digestive efficacy (little protease necessary to assimilate the ingested protein) the digestive effort is low. Surprisingly, it has been observed that the proteolytic activity in faecal samples of human babies fed exclusively to the breast was lower than that of babies fed with a formula

standard. Therefore the use of a fermented formula is advantageously more likely to make the protease activity in the colon more reminiscent of the situation than that in breast fed babies. After feeding a fermented formula, the release of endogenous protease, the efficiency of protein digestion, the digestive effort, the loss of the endogenous protein and the protein load entering the colon are improved. It becomes more similar to the situation in breast fed babies than when they are fed a standard unfermented infant formula. Therefore a fermented formula is advantageously used to feed babies for use in the prevention and / or treatment of diaper dermatitis or in the promotion of intestinal health by reducing digestive effort, improving the efficiency of protein digestion, reducing the loss of endogenous protein, reducing endogenous secretion of proteases, and / or reducing the protein load that enters the colon.

 10

[0008] The finding that the release of endogenous protease is reduced, the efficiency of protein digestion increases, and the loss of endogenous protein also decreases advantageously allows the formulation of a infant formula with protein concentrations lower than those used so far. . Currently the concentration of protein in infant formulas is higher than in human milk, to ensure adequate absorption of essential amino acids. An increased protein concentration, however, has disadvantages as mentioned above, imposes a heavier burden on the kidneys of babies and also correlates with obesity and other adverse health effects later in life. Therefore the present invention also relates to a fermented infant formula with low protein concentration.

Detailed Description 20

[0009] The present invention relates to a method, in particular a non-therapeutic method, for

a) reduce digestive effort,

b) improve the efficiency of protein digestion, 25

c) reduce the loss of endogenous protein,

d) reduce endogenous secretion of proteases, and / or

e) reduce the protein load that enters the colon

in comparison to a nutritional composition that does not comprise a bacterial fermented composition of lactic acid comprising a protein, said method comprises the administration of a nutritional composition comprising from 5 to 20% by weight based on dry weight of the protein of the nutritional composition and comprising at least 10% by weight based on dry weight of the nutritional composition of a protein comprising the composition fermented by lactic acid bacteria.

 35

[0010] In a preferred embodiment, the present method is to reduce digestive effort.

[0011] In one aspect the invention relates to a method for the prevention and / or treatment of diaper dermatitis, said method comprises the administration to a baby of a nutritional composition comprising from 5 to 20% by weight of protein based in the dry weight of the nutritional composition and comprising at least 40% by weight based on the dry weight of the nutritional composition of a lactic acid bacteria fermented composition comprising the protein.

[0012] In other words, the invention relates to the use of a composition fermented by lactic acid bacteria comprising a protein in the production of a nutritional composition for the prevention and / or treatment of diaper rash where the nutritional composition comprises from 5 to 20% by weight of protein based on the dry weight of protein of the nutritional composition and comprising at least 10% by weight based on the dry weight of the nutritional composition of the composition fermented by acid bacteria lactic that comprises the protein.

 fifty

[0013] The invention can also be written as a nutritional composition comprising from 5 to 20% by weight of protein based on the dry weight of the protein of the nutritional composition and comprising at least 10% by weight based on the Dry weight of the nutritional composition of a composition fermented by lactic acid bacteria comprising the protein, for use in the prevention and / or treatment of diaper rash. 55

[0014] In one aspect the present invention relates to a method for promoting intestinal health, said method comprises the administration of a nutritional composition comprising from 5 to 20% by weight of protein based on the dry weight of the nutritional composition. and comprising at least 10% by weight based on dry weight of the nutritional composition of a protein comprising the bacterial fermented composition of lactic acid.

[0015] In other words the invention relates to the use of a composition fermented by lactic acid bacteria comprising the protein in the production of a nutritional composition to promote intestinal health where the nutritional composition comprises 5 to 20% by weight of proteins based on the dry weight of protein of the nutritional composition and comprising at least 10% by weight based on the dry weight of the composition

Nutritional composition of the fermented composition of lactic acid bacteria comprising the protein.

[0016] The invention can also be written as a nutritional composition comprising from 5 to 20% by weight of protein based on the dry weight of the nutritional composition and comprising at least 10% by weight based on the dry weight of The nutritional composition of a composition fermented by lactic acid bacteria comprising the protein, for use in promoting intestinal health in a baby.

[0017] In another aspect, the invention relates to a method for promoting intestinal health by

a) reduction of digestive effort, 10

b) improving the efficiency of protein digestion

c) reduction of endogenous protein loss

d) reduction of endogenous protease secretion, and / or

e) reduction of the protein load entering the colon

 fifteen

in comparison to a nutritional composition that does not comprise a bacterial composition fermented by lactic acid comprising protein, said method comprises the administration of a nutritional composition comprising 5 to 20% by weight of proteins based on the dry weight of the composition Nutritional and comprising at least 10% by weight based on the dry weight of the nutritional composition fermented by lactic acid bacteria comprising a protein. twenty

[0018] In other words the invention relates to the use of a composition fermented by lactic acid bacteria comprising protein in the production of a nutritional composition to promote intestinal health by

a) reduction of digestive effort, 25

b) improving the efficiency of protein digestion

c) reduction of endogenous protein loss

d) reduction of endogenous secretion of proteases, and / or

e) reduction of the protein load entering the colon

 30

in comparison to a nutritional composition that does not comprise a protein that comprises the composition fermented by lactic acid bacteria, where the nutritional composition comprises 5 to 20% by weight of protein based on the dry weight of the nutritional composition and which comprises minus 10% by weight based on the dry weight of the nutritional composition of the lactic acid bacteria-fermented composition comprising the protein. 35

[0019] The invention can also be written as a nutritional composition comprising from 5 to 20% by weight of proteins based on dry weight of the nutritional composition and comprising at least 10% by weight based on the dry weight of the nutritional composition of a composition fermented by lactic acid bacteria comprising the protein, for use in promoting intestinal health by means of

a) reduction of digestive effort,

b) improving the efficiency of protein digestion

c) reduction of endogenous protein loss

d) reduction of endogenous secretion of proteases, and / or 45

e) reduction of the protein load entering the colon

in comparison to a nutritional composition that does not comprise the lactic acid bacteria fermented composition comprising the protein.

 fifty

[0020] For purposes of clarity, it is noted that the "nutritional composition" mentioned above refers to the final nutritional composition that must be ingested or administered and the "bacterial composition fermented by lactic acid comprising protein" is comprised in the nutritional composition . The nutritional composition can therefore also be referred to as "final nutritional composition" or "total nutritional composition". The "bacterial composition fermented by lactic acid comprising protein" can also be referred to as "fermented composition comprising proteins" or "fermented ingredient". In addition, for greater clarity, it is observed that the "protein" of the "lactic acid bacteria-fermented composition comprising protein" is comprised in the "5 to 20% by weight protein" of the nutritional composition.

[0021] In addition, the invention also relates to a nutritional composition for babies comprising:

a) protein

i. in an amount of from 5 to 20% by weight based on the dry weight of the nutritional composition, and 65

ii) in an amount of 6 to 7.4% calories based on total calories of the composition

nutritional,

b) lipids in an amount of from 35 to 60% of calories based on total calories of the nutritional composition, and

c) carbohydrates in an amount of 40 to 60% of calories based on the total calories of the nutritional composition 5,

wherein the nutritional composition comprises at least 10% by weight of a composition fermented by lactic acid bacteria comprising the protein based on the dry weight of the nutritional composition.

 10

[0022] The term "nutritional composition" used throughout this description, ie the final nutritional composition that must be ingested or administered, also refers to the "nutritional composition for babies" specified just above.

Fermented Ingredient 15

[0023] The present nutritional composition comprises a composition fermented by lactic acid bacteria comprising protein. The present nutritional composition preferably comprises a composition comprising protein derived from fermented milk. This composition comprising protein derived from fermented milk is obtained by incubating a combination of milk, for example skim milk, or a product derived from milk, for example whey, with at least one strain of lactic acid bacteria , such as lactococci, lactobacilli, streptococci and bifidobacteria, preferably with Streptococcus thermophilus. Preferably the combination is incubated for 10 minutes to about 6 hours. The temperature during incubation is preferably between 20 and 50 ° C. After incubation the incubated composition is preferably subjected to heat treatment. By this heat treatment preferably at least 25 90% of live microorganisms are inactivated, more preferably at least 95%, more preferably at least 99%. Preferably the fermented nutritional composition comprises less than 1103 cfu of live lactic acid bacteria / g dry weight. The heat treatment is preferably performed at a temperature between 80 and 180 ° C. The inactivation of lactic acid bacteria advantageously produces less post-acidification and a safer product. This is especially advantageous when the nutritional composition must be administered to babies. 30 Surprisingly it has been observed that the beneficial effects of the fermented nutritional composition did not depend on the presence of live lactic acid bacteria. The processes for preparing suitable fermented ingredients on the occasion of the present invention are known per se. EP 778885, which is incorporated herein by reference, discloses in particular in example 7 a suitable process for preparing a fermented composition. Document FR 2723960, which is incorporated herein by reference, discloses in particular in Example 6 a suitable process for preparing a fermented composition.

[0024] Briefly, a milk-derived product, preferably pasteurized, containing lactose and optionally other macronutrients such as fats, preferably vegetable fats, casein, whey protein, vitamins and / or minerals etc. it is concentrated, for example between 15 to 50% of dry substance and then 40 is inoculated with S. thermophilus, for example with 5% of a culture containing 106 to 1010 bacteria per ml. Preferably this milk derived product comprises milk protein peptides. The temperature and duration of the fermentation are as mentioned above. Suitably after fermentation the composition comprising fermented protein can be pasteurized or sterilized and for example spray dried or lyophilized to provide a suitable form to be formulated to the final product. Four. Five

[0025] Bacterial strains of S. thermophilus that are preferably used to prepare the composition comprising fermented protein on the occasion of the present invention develop beta galactosidase activity in the course of substrate fermentation. Preferably the beta galactosidase activity develops in parallel with acidity. The selection of a suitable strain of S. thermophilus is described in example 2 of EP 50 778885 and in example 1 of FR 2723960.

[0026] Preferred strains of S. thermophilus for preparing the fermented composition comprising protein, preferably fermented milk-derived composition comprising protein on the occasion of the present invention have been deposited by Compagnie Gervais Danone in the Collection Nationale de Cultures de 55 Microorganisms (CNCM) run by the Institut Pasteur, 25 rue du Docteur Roux, Paris, France on August 23, 1995 under registration number I-1620 and August 25, 1994 under registration number I-1470.

[0027] Preferably, other strains of lactic acid bacteria are additionally present in the preparation of the fermented composition comprising protein or, simultaneously or consecutively, the composition is further fermented by other strains of lactic acid bacteria. Other strains of lactic acid bacteria are preferably selected from the group consisting of Lactobacillus and Bifidobacteria, more preferably Bifidobacterium brief, most preferably the short Bifidobacterium strain deposited by Compagnie Gervais Danone at the CNCM under number I-2219 the May 31, 1999.

 65

[0028] In one embodiment, the lactic acid bacteria fermented composition comprising

Protein is fermented by Streptococcus thermophilus, and / or brief Bifidobacterium.

[0029] In one embodiment, the nutritional composition comprises a composition fermented by lactic acid bacteria comprising protein where lactic acid bacteria are inactivated after fermentation. 5

[0030] Preferably the present fermented composition comprising protein is not fermented by Lactobacillus bulgaricus. Products fermented by L. bulgaricus are considered not suitable for babies, because in very young babies the specific dehydrogenase that converts D-lactate into pyruvate is much less active than the dehydrogenase that converts L-lactate. 10

[0031] The fermented composition comprising protein comprises protein. The protein is preferably selected from the group consisting of proteins from non-human animals, preferably milk proteins. The protein comprising the fermented composition preferably contains casein, and / or whey protein, more preferably bovine whey proteins and / or bovine casein. The fermented composition comprising protein preferably comprises casein and whey proteins in a weight ratio of casein: whey protein from 10:90 to 90:10, more preferably 20:80 to 80:20, even more preferably 35:65 to 55:45.

[0032] The fermented composition comprising protein comprises protein preferably providing 5-20 to 15% of the total calories of the fermented composition comprising protein, preferably providing 6 to 12%, even more preferably 7 to 8.5. % of total calories. In one embodiment, the baby nutritional composition comprises fermented composition comprising protein where the protein preferably provides 5 to 7.5% of the total calories of the fermented composition comprising protein, preferably provides 6 to 7.4%. , even more preferably from 6.5 to 7.3% of the total calories. When in liquid form, the fermented composition comprising protein preferably comprises 0.5 to 6.0 g, more preferably 1.0 to 3.0 g, even more preferably 1.0 to 1, 5 g of protein per 100 ml, most preferably 1.0 to 1.3 g of protein per 100 ml. Based on the dry weight the present fermented composition comprising protein preferably comprises from 5 to 20% by weight of protein, preferably at least 8% by weight, more preferably from 8 to 14% by weight of protein, of Even more preferably 8 to 9.5% by weight based on the dry weight of the fermented composition comprising protein. Protein and carbohydrates are considered to have a caloric density of 4 kcal / g, and fat of 9 kcal / g.

[0033] The present nutritional composition preferably comprises 10 to 100% by weight of the composition 35 fermented by lactic acid bacteria comprising protein, preferably a composition derived from fermented milk comprising protein, based on dry weight of the nutritional composition total. In one embodiment, the present nutritional composition preferably contains 15 to 70% by weight, preferably 15 to 50% by weight, based on the dry weight of the final nutritional composition of the composition fermented by lactic acid bacteria comprising protein. Higher concentrations of fermented composition comprising protein advantageously improve the efficiency of protein digestion.

[0034] The pH of the present nutritional composition is preferably between 5.0 and 8.0, more preferably between 5.0 and 7.5, even more preferably between 5.0 and 6.0, most preferably between 5.5 and 6.0. Preferably the present nutritional composition is a liquid with a pH of 5.5 to 6.0. The present nutritional composition preferably comprises lactic acid and / or lactate. Lactic acid and / or lactate are formed by fermentation by lactic acid bacteria. Preferably the present nutritional composition comprises between 0.1 and 1.5% by weight of lactic acid and / or lactate, more preferably between 0.2 and 1.0% by weight, based on the dry weight of the nutritional composition. The more lactate is present the more it comprises the nutritional composition of the fermented composition comprising protein. Preferably at least 50% by weight, even more 50 preferably by at least 90% by weight, of the sum of lactic acid and lactate is in the form of L-isomer. Thus, in one embodiment the sum of L-lactic acid and L-lactate is greater than 50% by weight, more preferably greater than 90% by weight, based on the sum of lactic acid and total lactate. L-lactate and L-lactic acid is the same as L - (+) - lactate and L - (+) lactic acid.

 55

[0035] In one embodiment the nutritional composition for babies comprises from 0.10 to 1.5% by weight of the sum of lactate and lactic acid based on the dry weight of the nutritional composition and where the sum of acid L -lactic and L-lactate is greater than 50% by weight based on the sum of lactic acid and total lactate.

60 protein component

[0036] The present nutritional composition comprises a protein component. The protein used in the nutritional composition is preferably selected from the group consisting of non-human animal proteins, preferably milk proteins, vegetable proteins, such as preferably soy protein and / or rice protein, free amino acids and their derived mixtures. The present nutritional composition preferably contains 65 casein, and / or whey protein, more preferably bovine whey proteins and / or casein

bovine Thus, in one embodiment, the protein component comprises protein selected from the group consisting of whey protein and casein, preferably whey protein and casein, preferably whey protein and / or casein is milk milk. cow. The present nutritional composition preferably comprises casein and whey proteins in a casein weight ratio: whey protein from 10:90 to 90:10, more preferably 20:80 to 80:20, even more preferable 5 35:65 to 55:45.

[0037] The weight% based on dry protein weight of the present nutritional composition is calculated according to the Kjeldahl method by measuring the total nitrogen and using a conversion factor of 6.38 in case of casein, or a conversion factor of 6.25 for proteins other than casein. 10

[0038] The present nutritional composition comprises protein that preferably provides 5 to 15% of the total calories of the nutritional composition, preferably provides 6 to 12%, even more preferably 7 to 8.5% of the total calories of the composition Nutritional In one embodiment, the nutritional composition for babies according to the invention comprises protein that preferably provides 5 to 7.5% of the 15 total calories of the nutritional composition, preferably provides 6 to 7.4%, even more preferably 6.5 to 7.3 % of total calories in the nutritional composition. Too low protein content based on total calories will result in less adequate development and growth in infants and young children. When in liquid form, for example as a liquid ready for feeding, the nutritional composition preferably comprises 0.5 to 6.0 g, more preferably 1.0 to 3.0 g, even more preferably 1.0 to 20 1.5 g of protein per 100 ml, most preferably 1.0 to 1.3 g of protein per 100 ml. Based on the dry weight the present nutritional composition preferably comprises 5 to 20% by weight of protein, preferably at least 8% by weight of protein based on the dry weight of the total nutritional composition, more preferably 8 to 14% by weight, even more preferably 8 to 9.5% by weight of protein based on the dry weight of the total nutritional composition. Since the use of the present nutritional composition results in an increased protein digestion efficiency and a reduced protein digestive effort, the amount of protein based on total calories, based on 100 ml or based on the dry weight of The composition may advantageously be less than that of the standard infant formula.

[0039] Currently the concentration of protein in infant formulas is higher than in human milk, to ensure adequate absorption of essential amino acids. An increased protein concentration, however, has disadvantages as mentioned in the "application" section, imposes a heavier burden on the kidneys of babies and is also related to obesity and other adverse effects later in life. The term "protein" or "protein component" as used in the present invention refers to the sum of free proteins, peptides and amino acids. 35

Nutritional composition

[0040] The present nutritional composition is preferably especially suitable for the provision of complete daily nutritional requirements to a human subject with an age below 36 months, more preferably a human baby. The present nutritional composition is not a yogurt, since yogurt usually contains L. bulgaricus (Standard Code for Fermented Milk Codex Stan 243-2003).

[0041] The present nutritional composition preferably comprises a digestible carbohydrate component. Preferred digestible carbohydrate components are lactose, glucose, sucrose, fructose, galactose, maltose, starch and maltodextrin. Lactose is the main digestible carbohydrate present in human milk. The present nutritional composition preferably comprises lactose. The present nutritional composition preferably comprises digestible carbohydrate, where at least 35% by weight, more preferably at least 50% by weight, more preferably at least 75% by weight of the digestible carbohydrate is lactose. Based on the dry weight the present nutritional composition preferably comprises at least 25% by weight of lactose, preferably at least 50% by weight.

[0042] When in liquid form, for example as a liquid ready for feeding, the nutritional composition preferably comprises 3.0 to 30 g digestible carbohydrate per 100 ml, more preferably 6.0 to 20, even more preferably 7.0 at 10.0 g per 100 ml. Based on the dry weight, the present nutritional composition preferably comprises 20 to 80% by weight, more preferably 40 to 65% by weight of digestible carbohydrates. Based on total calories the nutritional composition preferably comprises 30 to 60% of calories derived from digestible carbohydrates, more preferably 40 to 60%.

[0043] The present nutritional composition preferably comprises a lipid component. Preferably the 60 lipid component of the present nutritional composition provides 35 to 60% of the total calories of the nutritional composition, preferably the lipid component provides 40 to 50% of the total calories. When in liquid form, for example as a liquid ready for feeding, the nutritional composition preferably comprises 2.1 to 6.5 g of lipids per 100 ml, more preferably 3.0 to 4.0 g per 100 ml. Based on the dry weight, the present nutritional composition preferably comprises 12.5 to 40% by weight of lipids, more preferably 19 to 30% by weight.

[0044] Preferably the lipid component comprises the essential fatty acids alpha-linolenic acid (ALA), linoleic acid (LA) and / or long chain polyunsaturated fatty acids (LC-PUFA). LC-PUFA, LA and / or ALA may be provided as free fatty acids, in the form of triglyceride, in the form of diglyceride, in the form of monoglyceride, in the form of phospholipid, or as a mixture of one of more than previous. Preferably the present nutritional composition contains at least one, preferably at least two lipid sources selected from the group consisting of rapeseed oil (such as rapeseed oil, rapeseed oil low in erucic acid and canola oil), oil of high oleic sunflower, high oleic safflower oil, olive oil, marine oils, microbial oils, coconut oil, palm kernel oil and milk fat.

 10

[0045] The present nutritional composition is not human breast milk. The present nutritional composition preferably comprises a lipid component and a protein component and a digestible carbohydrate component. The nutritional composition according to the invention or the nutritional composition used according to the invention preferably comprises other fractions, such as vitamins, minerals, trace elements and other micronutrients to make it a complete nutritional composition. Preferably the nutritional composition is selected from the group consisting of a infant formula, continuation formulas, infant milk or formula and growth milk, more preferably they form the group consisting of a infant formula and continuation formulas. In one embodiment the nutritional composition is a infant formula. Infant and continuation formulas include vitamins, minerals, trace elements and other micronutrients according to international directives. twenty

[0046] Preferably the lipid component provides 35 to 60%, preferably 40 to 50% of the total calories, the protein component provides 5 to 15%, preferably 6 to 7.4% of the total calories and the digestible carbohydrate component provides 30 to 60%, preferably 35 to 60%, more preferably 40 to 60% of the total calories of the final nutritional composition. Preferably the present nutritional composition 25 comprises a lipid component that provides 40 to 50% of the total calories, a protein component that provides 6 to 12%, preferably 6 to 7.4% of the total calories and a digestible carbohydrate component that provides 40 to 60% of the total calories of the final nutritional composition. The amount of total calories is determined by the sum of calories derived from protein, lipids and digestible carbohydrates.

 30

[0047] In one embodiment the nutritional composition is in a liquid form. In another embodiment the nutritional composition is a powder suitable for making a liquid nutritional composition after reconstitution with an aqueous solution, preferably with water. Preferably the infant milk formula is a powder to be reconstituted with water. Preferably the liquid composition has a viscosity below 100 mPa.s, more preferably below 60 mPa.s, more preferably below 35, mPa.s even more preferably below 6 mPa. .s as measured on a Brookfield viscometer at 20 ° C at a shear rate of 100 s-1. A low viscosity is important for infant formulas or continuation, because it mimics the viscosity of breast milk and can then be administered through a tetilla.

[0048] To meet the caloric requirements of a baby, the nutritional composition preferably comprises 50 to 200 kcal / 100 ml of liquid, more preferably 60 to 90 kcal / 100 ml of liquid, even more preferably 60 to 75 kcal / 100 ml of liquid. This caloric density ensures an optimal ratio between water and calorie consumption. The osmolarity of the present composition is preferably between 150 and 420 mOsmol / l, more preferably 260 to 320 mOsmol / l. Low osmolarity aims to reduce gastrointestinal tension further.

 Four. Five

[0049] When the nutritional composition is in liquid form, the preferred volume administered on a daily basis is in the range of about 80 to 2500 ml, more preferably about 200 to 1200 ml per day. Preferably, the number of feedings per day is between 1 and 10, preferably between 3 and 8. In one embodiment the nutritional composition is administered daily for a period of at least 2 days, preferably for a period of at least 4 weeks, preferably for a period of at least 8 weeks, 50 more preferably for a period of at least 12 weeks, in a liquid form where the total volume administered daily is between 200 ml and 1200 ml and where the number of daily feeds is between 1 and 10.

Request

 55

[0050] The inventors have discovered that after the consumption of the nutritional composition of the present invention the amount of endogenous proteolytic enzymes that was detected in the terminal ileum was significantly reduced compared to the amount detected after the consumption of a standard nutritional composition that Do not contain a fermented ingredient. Furthermore, even if the daily protein intake was higher, the apparent and actual protein digestibility was the highest in the group that consumed the nutritional composition 60 of the present invention.

[0051] It was found that the nutritional composition of the present invention reduced digestive effort. Digestive effort is defined as the amount of protease activity secreted per gram of protein ingested.

 65

[0052] It has been found that the nutritional composition of the present invention improves the digestion efficiency of

protein. Protein digestion efficiency is defined as the amount of protein ingested per arbitrary unit (AU) of protease activity. It was found that the nutritional composition of the present invention reduces the loss of endogenous protein, such as the loss of endogenously formed proteases. This was in particular the case of trypsin and / or chymotrypsin and / or elastase. Trypsin and chymotrypsin are the most important digestive proteases in a baby, because gastric pepsin is less active due to a higher pH in the stomach. 5 In addition, it has been found that proteases stimulate the endogenous loss of other proteins, such as mucins.

[0053] It has been found that the nutritional composition of the present invention reduces the protein load entering the colon. 10

[0054] These effects are observed in comparison with the situation before the administration of the nutritional composition and / or the situation in comparison with the administration of a standard nutritional composition that does not comprise the fermented composition comprising protein. It has been found that these observed effects are also more similar to the effects that occur in babies fed with human milk compared to babies fed with standard infant formula, because it has been observed that proteolytic activity in fecal samples of fed babies exclusively breast was lower than that of babies fed with a standard formula.

[0055] For these effects mentioned above the nutritional composition of the present invention improves intestinal health. In one embodiment, the present nutritional composition for babies is of use to promote bowel health. Preferably, intestinal health is selected from the group consisting of improved well-balanced intestinal microbiota, increased intestinal barrier function, decreased abdominal pain, prevention and / or treatment of intestinal inflammation, prevention and / or treatment of intestinal infections, prevention and / or treatment of diarrhea, prevention and / or treatment of colic or cramping, prevention and / or treatment of abdominal swelling, prevention and / or treatment of abdominal dilation, and prevention and / or treatment of diaper dermatitis. Preferably the intestinal health is selected from the group consisting of increased intestinal barrier, decreased abdominal pain, prevention and / or treatment of intestinal inflammation, prevention and / or treatment of cramps or cramps, prevention and / or treatment of abdominal swelling, prevention and / or abdominal dilation treatment, and prevention and / or treatment of diaper dermatitis. In one embodiment, the nutritional composition of the present invention improves intestinal health by prevention and / or treatment of constipation.

[0056] In particular, the reduced amount of protein entering the colon will result in a more saccharolytic and less proteolytic activity of the intestinal microbiota. The fermentation of sugars instead of amino acids will mean a lower pH of the colon and / or a reduced formation of toxic metabolites such as indoles, phenols and amines. This will also involve more bifidobacteria and / or lactobacilli and / or less pathogenic bacteria in the intestinal microbiota. The amounts of bacteria can be expressed as cfu per g stool and / or as a percentage based on cfu of total bacteria. Such an improved intestinal microbiota will involve reduced intestinal infections and / or reduction of diarrhea. 40

[0057] In particular the reduced amount of proteases, more specifically serine proteases such as trypsin and chymotrypsin, will result in reduced excision of PAR-2 with the effect of increased intestinal barrier function. An increased barrier function will involve a reduced translocation of toxins, allergens and pathogens and therefore an advantageous effect on infection, diarrhea and / or inflammation. Also, reduced excision 45 PAR-2 will mean less perception of abdominal pain. The increased fecal proteolytic activity is particularly associated with IBD (inflammatory bowel disease) such as ulcerative colitis and with diarrhogenic irritable bowel syndrome (IBS-D). The increased fecal proteolytic activity is in particular associated with the incidence of diaper dermatitis. Therefore the present nutritional composition of the invention is preferably for use in the treatment and / or prevention of diaper dermatitis. In addition, the lower synthesis of proteases, concomitant with increased protein digestibility produces less loss of energy and protein, which improves growth and development.

[0058] Colonic protein fermentation will entail changes in the quality or quantity of gas formation and therefore an increased abdominal swelling and / or abdominal dilation. Therefore, the present nutritional composition will have an effect on the reduction of abdominal swelling and / or abdominal distension and disorders resulting therefrom. Activation of activated protease receptors increases the perception of pain and has a negative effect on the intestinal barrier function. The lower proteolytic activity can thus contribute to the increased prevention and / or treatment of cramps or cramps.

 60

[0059] All these effects observed and mentioned above are particularly important in young human subjects, since they need to grow and develop, have a more immature intestinal barrier and a less developed intestinal microbiota. In other words, in young human subjects, improving protein digestive effort, regulating the release of endogenous protein, restricting protein loss, and reducing protein load in the colon is very important. Intestinal development is a complex process. It is feasible that intestinal leakage makes babies during the first months of life more susceptible to levels

high proteolytic activity, which can trigger low levels of inflammation and increased pain perception. This may explain the beneficial effects of the fermented formula that induces less release of endogenous protease. Therefore, the nutritional composition is preferably used to feed a human baby.

 5

[0060] In one embodiment the invention relates to a method, preferably a non-therapeutic method, for

to reduce the effort of digestion,

b improve the efficiency of protein digestion 10

c reduce the loss of endogenous protein

d reduce endogenous secretion of proteases, and / or

and reduce the protein load that enters the colon

in comparison with a nutritional composition that does not comprise a bacterial fermented composition of lactic acid comprising protein, said method comprising administering the nutritional composition to babies according to the present invention. Preferably for this method the nutritional composition for babies comprises lactose.

[0061] Preferably the present nutritional composition is used to feed a human baby with an age of 36 months or less, more preferably 18 months or less, even more preferably a baby with an age of 12 months or less, most preferably a baby with an age of 6 months or less. The present nutritional compositions are preferably administered enterally, more preferably orally.

 25

[0062] In this document and in its claims, the verb "to understand" and its conjugations are used in their non-limiting sense to mean that articles are included after the word, but not specifically mentioned articles are not excluded. In addition, the reference to an element by the indefinite article "a" or "one" does not exclude the possibility that more than one element is present, unless the context clearly requires that there be one and only one of the elements. The indefinite article "a" or "one" therefore usually means "at least one. P. Means weight.

Example 1:

[0063] A prospective randomized double-blind, placebo-controlled study with parallel group design was conducted in infants born healthy term until the babies were one year old. The test groups were:

[0064] Group 1: Babies fed full formula after 2 months at the latest of receiving a standard formula based on non-hydrolyzed cow's milk (N = 41). Group 2: babies fed completely to the breast for at least 4 months (N = 43). 40

[0065] Faecal samples were collected at week 16 after birth and stored at -20 ° C until further analysis. Fecal proteolytic activity was measured with the EnzCheck fluorescence protease-based assay kit (E6638, Invitrogen, Carlsbad, Ca, USA) for detection of metallo-, serine and sulfhydryl proteases. The faecal samples were diluted x 1000 in 1x PBS, centrifuged at 13,000 rpm. for 3 minutes to remove 45 large particles, and 100 µl of supernatant was added to 100 µl of active BODIPi casein (10 µg BODIPi casein). The increase in fluorescence was measured at 25 ° C for a period of 10 minutes. Swine pancreatin (Sigma, P1750) was used to prepare a calibration curve. To determine the origin of protease activity, the AEBSF serine protease specific inhibitor (Sigma, A8456) was added in each analysis with a final concentration of 5mM. fifty

The protein in fecal supernatants was determined using the BCA method (Pierce). Fecal proteolytic activity was expressed as arbitrary units (AU) based on the activity of pancreatin in USP, a standard unit for activity according to the United States Pharmacopoeia per gram content of fecal protein. The statistics were made with the Mann-Whitney U test. In the breast-fed group the fecal proteolytic activity was 313 AU per mg of protein (SEM 21) and in the group that consumed standard infant formula 55 the proteolytic activity was 406 AU per mg protein (SEM 33). The p-value was below 0.05.

[0066] Proteolytic activity was mainly derived from serine proteases (ie pancreatic enzymes or produced by colonic microbiota), since the AEBSF serine protease specific inhibitor blocked more than 70% proteolytic activity. 60

Example 2: Animal experiments

[0067] To investigate protein digestion in vivo, pigs are the first choice since they closely resemble human digestive physiology (Miller et al. 1987, Annu Rev Nutr, 7: 361-82) and generate real ileal nitrogen 65 comparable and digestible amino acid (AA) (Deglaire et al. 2009, Br J Nutr, 102 (12): 1752-9, Rowan et al. 1994, Br J

Nutr, 71 (1): 29-42). In addition, a study by Moughan et al. has shown that 3-week-old piglets can be used as a model for 6-month-old babies (Moughan et al. 1991, J Nutr, 121 (10): 1570-4). Therefore, AA digestibility of a fermented and standard infant formula (IF) was evaluated in a suckling pig model. A hydrolyzed formula (Nutrilon Pepti) was used to correct endogenous AA losses according to the peptide feeding method (Rutherfurd et al. 1998, J Dairy Sci, 81 (4): 909-17). 5

[0068] Six male piglets of similar age and weight (average weight 4.9 kg) were housed in groups from 2 weeks of age. At three weeks of age they received a T-cannula in the distal part of the terminal ileum after having been fasting overnight and then were housed individually. From day 31 onwards the pigs received the following diets: 10

Diet 1: Lactofidus-1, a commercially available infant milk formula marketed under the Gallia brand, comprising 100% of a composition derived from fermented milk. Lactofidus is produced by fermentation with B. breve and S. thermophilus. It comprises 12.2 g of protein per 100 g dry weight of which 60% by weight of casein and 40% by weight of whey protein. The pH is 5.6. fifteen

Diet 2: Nutrilon-2, a standard non-fermented continuation formula marketed under the brand Nutricia, which comprises non-hydrolyzed protein, 9.3 g per 100 g dry weight of which 50% by weight is non-hydrolyzed whey protein and 50% by weight is casein. The pH is 6.8.

 twenty

Diet 3: Pepti-2, an MFI marketed under the Nutricia brand that comprises 11.2 g of protein per 100 g of dry weight in the form of 100% by weight of extensively hydrolyzed whey protein. The pH is 6.4.

[0069] The FLI, fermented, standard and hydrolyzed powder was diluted in demineralized water (37 ° C) to a final dry substance content of 21.0%, 22. 05% and 21.45%, respectively (the protein content being 25 2.46, 2.05, and 2.55 g / 100ml). Chromium oxide was added to the FLI powder as an indigestible marker. Until day 31, the piglets received a 1: 1: 1 mixture in p / p / p of diet 1, 2 and 3. From day 31 to day 36 the piglets each received diet 1, 2 or 3 in a design of Latin squares according to the feeding scheme in table 1. The pigs were fed at 7:00 a.m., 9:30 a.m., 2:00 p.m. and 4:00 p.m. The Illeal digesta was collected on day 32, 34 and 36 from 8 am to 5 pm, through the T-cannula in small bags that were stored in the ice 30 immediately when they were filled. All digesta samples were weighed, the pH measured and stored at -20 ° C until another treatment. For enzyme activity measurements a subsample (2 ml) was centrifuged (13,000 g for 10 minutes at 4 ° C) and the supernatants were divided into aliquots and stored at -80 ° C.

Table 1: Feeding scheme

 35

 Piglet

 Day 31-32 Day 33-34 Day 35-36

 one

 one

 2. 3

 2

 1 3

 2

 3

 twenty-one

 3

 4

 2 3 1

 5

 3 1 2

 6

 3 2 1

[0070] Dry substance (DM) (gravimetry at 80 ° C), chromium oxide (Cr) (inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry), crude protein (CP) (Kjeldahl method, N x 6.25) and composition Amino acid (AA) (HPLC after 6M HCL hydrolysis) were analyzed in lyophilized digesta samples and diet powders. 40

[0071] Total proteolytic activity in the ileal digesta was determined using the EnzCheck protease fluorescence assay kit (E6638, Invitrogen, Carlsbad, Ca., USA) for the detection of metallo-, serine and sulfhydryl proteases. The digest was diluted by 750 with 10 mM Tris-HCl, pH 7.8, and 100 µl of samples were added to 100 µl of active BODIPi casein (10 µg BODIPi casein). The increase in fluorescence was measured at 25 ° C for a period of 10 minutes. Swine pancreatin (Sigma, P1750) was used to prepare a calibration curve. To determine the origin of the protease activity, the AEBSF serine protease specific inhibitor (Sigma, A8456) was added in each analysis with a final concentration of 5 mM. The activity is expressed as an arbitrary unit (AU) (based on the activity of pancreatin in USP).

 fifty

[0072] Trypsin activity was measured using ethyl ester N-Benzoyl-L-Argine (BAEE, Sigma B4500) as a substrate and measuring the change in absorbance at 25 ° C 253 nm (according to the manufacturer's instructions). Bovine trypsin (Sigma; T9201) was used to prepare a calibration curve. The activity is expressed as an arbitrary unit (AU) (based on the trypsin activity in U).

 55

[0073] Chymotrypsin was measured using ethyl ester N-Benzoyl-L-Tyrosine (BTEE, Sigma B6125) as a substrate and measuring the change in absorbance at 25 ° C at 256 nm. Bovine chymotrypsin (Sigma; C3142) was used to prepare a calibration curve. The activity is expressed as an arbitrary unit (AU) (based on activity of

U chymotrypsin).

[0074] Elastase activity was measured using SucAla3-PNA (S4760, Sigma) as a substrate and porcine elastase (E7885, Sigma) was used to prepare a calibration curve. The activity is expressed as an arbitrary unit (AU) (based on elastase activity in U). 5

[0075] The equations used to calculate the digestibility of AA (the units are in µg / g DMI):

 10

[0076] The results were analyzed using univariate analysis of variance (GLM procedure). The differences between diets were considered significant with p <0.05 according to the LSD test.

 fifteen

[0077] The results in Table 2 show that the pH of the ileal digesta was the same. The osmolarity was also the same. The amount of raw protein intake was maximum in the hydrolyzed formula and in the fermented formula. Interestingly, the amount of protein in the ileal digest and the relative amount of protein based on protein intake was significantly lower in piglets that consumed fermented formula than in the other two groups. This flow of protein to the colon is therefore minimal in piglets that consumed 20 fermented formula. The apparent and real ileal crude protein digestibility was higher in piglets that consumed the fermented formula than in the group that consumed the standard formula. The apparent and real ileal amino acid digestibility was higher in piglets that consumed the fermented formula than in the group that consumed the standard formula. The same is applicable for most individual amino acids. The digestibility of real glycine differs greatly. This is indicative of a reduction in the secretion of endogenous protein. The endogenous amino acid flux was rich mainly in glutamic acid, threonine, aspartic acid, proline and serine.

Table 2. Diet intake, characteristics of ileal digesta & digestibility of ileal AA

 Nutrilon Lactofidus Pepti SE together

 DM intake (g / day)

 403a 388b 391b 3,641

 CP taking (g / day)

 37.4ª 45.4b 46.4c 0.317

 Total AA intake (g / day)

 39.1ª 47.7b 50.2c 0.347

 Imoral Digesta Osmolarity (mOsm / kg)

 305 305 309 3.3

 Ileal pH Digesta

 7.91 7.95 7.90 0.06

 Ileal CP Digesta (g / g CPi)

 0.16ª 0.08b 0.16ª 0.01

 Total ileal Digesta CP (g / day)

 5.96ª 3.64b 7.27c 0.279

 Digestibility of apparent ileal crude protein (%)

 84.2ª 92.0b x 0.81

 apparent ileal digestibility of AA (%)

 89.1ª 94.4b x 0.53

 To the girl

 85.0a 91.1b x 0.81

 Arginine

 85.8ª 93.1b x 0.68

 Aspartic acid

 88.6ª 93.8b x 0.51

 Cystine

 85.1 89.5 x 1.06

 Glutamic acid

 93.1ª 96.3b x 0.29

 Glycine

 48.5 78.5b x 4.81

 Histidine

 88.9ª 94.5b x 0.51

 Isoleucine

 91.9ª 95.8b x 0.34

 Leucine

 93.4ª 96.5b x 0.29

 Lysine

 91.1a 96.1b x 0.31

 Methionine

 93.9ª 97.2b x 0.36

 Phenylalanine

 88.8ª 94.6b x 0.40

 Proline

 90.1ª 95.4b x 0.59

 Serina

 84.6ª 92.2b x 0.63

 Threonine

 79.0a 88.1b x 1.05

 Tyrosine

 90.7a 94.7b x 0.37

 Valine

 90.6ª 95.2b x 0.54

 Digestibility of real ileal crude protein (%)

 94.2ª 99.9b x 0.89

 Digestibility of real Ileal AA (%)

 97.1ª 100.8b x 0.61

 To the girl

 96.7ª 101.2b x 0.87

 Arginine

 94.4ª 99.4b x 0.82

 Aspartic acid

 97.3ª 101.3b x 0.58

 Cystine

 97.0a 102.2b x 1.01

 Glutamic acid

 98.6ª 100.6b x 0.34

 Glycine

 72.4a 97.4b x 4.74

 Histidine

 96.4ª 100.3b x 0.63

 Isoleucine

 99.1ª 101.7b x 0.42

 Leucine

 98.5ª 100.7b x 0.35

 Lysine

 96.6ª 100.6b x 0.37

 Methionine

 98.8a 100.9b x 0.42

 Phenylalanine

 96.3ª 100.1b x 0.53

 Proline

 97.4ª 100.8b x 0.66

 Serina

 96.6ª 101.3b x 0.73

 Threonine

 96.5ª 102.7b x 1.12

 Tyrosine

 97.8 100.0 x 0.53

 Valine

 98.5ª 101.3b x 0.43

 x = not determined

 (a-c) values with different letters in the same row are different (p <0.05)

Table 3 Ileal proteolytic enzyme activities

 Nutrilon Lactofidus Pepti SE together

 Total proteolytic activity

 AU x 103 / 8h

 1599ª 477b 759b 140

 AU x 103 / g CPi

 41.4ª 10.5b 16.5b 3.3

 Trypsin activity

 AU x 103 / 8h

 908ª 334b 621c 74

 AU / g CPi

 23.9ª 7.4b 13.5c 1.6

 Chymotrypsin activity

 AU / 8h

 665ª 294b 486ab 73

 1.8

 AU / g CPi

 17.2ª 6.5b 10.3b

 Elastase activity

 AU / 8h

 191ª 69b 123c 13

 AU / CPi

 4.78ª 1.45b 2.47c 0.27

 NS = not significant, x = not determined.

 (a-c) Values with different letters in the same row are different (p <0.05)

[0078] The results in Table 3 show that the amount of proteolytic activity secreted during the 8 h of collection is minimal in piglets that consumed lactofidus, the fermented infant formula, compared to the standard unfermented formula or a pre-digested hydrolyzed FLI. This is the case of total proteolytic activity as well as trypsin and chymotrypsin. This is the case of elastase activity. This effect was also observed when it was based on the amount of protein intake.

[0079] Proteolytic activity is primarily derived from serine proteases (ie, pancreatic enzymes such as trypsin and chymotrypsin), since the specific serine protease inhibitor AEBSF blocked the proteolytic activity by more than 90%. Thus, the amount of proteolytic activity that accesses the colon is less 10 after the consumption of a fermented formula, which most closely resembles the situation of babies fed to breasts (see example 1).

[0080] Surprisingly, the apparent and actual digestibility of protein is maximum when the fermented formula was consumed, although the minimum amount of proteases was formed. This means that the digestive efficacy (in [protein ingested / protease activity in AU) is higher. Likewise, the amount of proteolytic activity per g of protein intake is lower, which is indicative of a decreased digestive effort.

Example 3: low protein infant formula

 twenty

[0081] A reconstituted infant formula comprising 100 ml:

12. 3 g of dry substance, 66 kcal

1.19 g of protein (whey protein / casein in 1/1 weight ratio), 7.2% based on total calories 25

7.76 g of carbohydrate (mainly lactose)

3.36 g of fat (mainly vegetable fat).

[0082] Of this composition 30% based on dry weight is derived from lactofidus-1 as described in example 2. The composition further comprises vitamins, minerals, trace elements and other micronutrients according to 30 international directives.

Claims (19)

1. Non-therapeutic method for reduce digestive effort, 5 b improve the efficiency of protein digestion, c reduce the loss of endogenous protein, d reduce endogenous secretion of proteases, and / or and reduce the protein load that enters the colon  10 compared to a nutritional composition that does not comprise a composition fermented by lactic acid bacteria comprising protein, said method comprising administering a nutritional composition comprising from 5 to 20% by weight of protein based on the dry weight of the nutritional composition and comprising at least 10% by weight of a composition fermented by lactic acid bacteria comprising the protein, where lactic acid bacteria are inactivated after fermentation, based on the dry weight of the nutritional composition. 2. A method according to claim 1 wherein the nutritional composition comprises from 0.10 to 1.5% by weight of the sum of lactic acid and lactate based on dry weight.  twenty 3. Method according to claim 2 wherein the sum of L-lactic acid and L-lactate is greater than 50% by weight based on the total sum of lactic acid and lactate. 4. Method according to any of the preceding claims wherein the bacterial composition fermented by lactic acid comprising the protein is fermented by Streptococcus thermophilus, and / or brief Bifidobacterium. 25 5. Method according to any of the preceding claims wherein the protein comprises protein selected from the group consisting of whey protein and casein. 6. Method according to claim 5 wherein the protein comprises whey protein and casein in a weight ratio of 20:80 to 80:20. 7. Method according to any of the preceding claims wherein the nutritional composition is a liquid. 8. Method according to claim 7, wherein the liquid nutritional composition has a pH of 5.5 to 6.0. 35 9. Method according to any of the preceding claims wherein the nutritional composition comprises protein that provides 5 to 15% calories, digestible carbohydrate that provides 35 to 60% calories and lipid that provides 35 to 60% of calories based on the total calories of the nutritional composition.  40 10. Method according to any of the preceding claims for feeding a baby with an age of 0 to 36 months, preferably 0 to 12 months. 11. Method according to any of the preceding claims wherein the nutritional composition is selected from the group consisting of a formula for infants, a continuation formula, a formula for a small child and a milk for growth. 12. Method according to any of the preceding claims wherein the endogenous protease is a serine protease, more preferably a serine protease selected from the group consisting of trypsin, chymotrypsin and elastase. fifty 13. Nutritional composition for babies comprising: to. protein  55 i. in an amount of 5 to 20% by weight based on the dry weight of the nutritional composition, and ii. in an amount of 6% to 7.4% of calories based on the total calories of the nutritional composition, b. lipids in an amount of 35 to 60% of calories based on the total calories of the nutritional composition, and C. carbohydrates in an amount of 40 to 60% of calories based on the total calories of the nutritional composition 60, wherein the nutritional composition comprises at least 10% by weight of a composition fermented by lactic acid bacteria comprising protein, where lactic acid bacteria are inactivated after fermentation, based on the dry weight of the nutritional composition. 65 14. Nutritional composition according to claim 13, wherein the nutritional composition comprises from 0.10 to 1.5% by weight of the sum of lactate and lactic acid based on dry weight and wherein the sum of L-lactic acid and L-lactate is greater than 50% by weight based on the sum of lactic acid and total lactate. 15. Nutritional composition according to claim 13 or 14, wherein the composition fermented by lactic acid bacteria comprising protein is fermented by Streptococcus thermophilus, and / or brief Bifidobacterium. 16. Nutritional composition according to any of claims 13 to 15, which is a liquid with a pH of 5.5 to 6.0.  10 17. Nutritional composition according to any of claims 13 to 16, wherein the nutritional composition is selected from the group consisting of a infant formula, a continuation formula, a formula for toddler and a milk for growth, preferably infant formula. 18. Nutritional composition according to any one of claims 13 to 17, wherein the protein comprises whey protein and casein in a weight ratio of 20:80 to 80:20, more preferably 35:65 to 55: 45 . 19. Nutritional composition according to any of claims 13 to 18 for the method of any claim 1 to 12.